Florida may follow Texas and implement mandatory Bible reading in its public schools, according to a report.
The Republican-controlled Texas Board of Education on Friday approved a new mandated reading list for public school students that includes Bible passages, such as excerpts from the New Testament as well as Biblical stories.
While Florida does not currently have any similar policies, Florida’s Department of Education indicated it was not opposed to implementing the use of the Bible in its public schools.
“It would be nearly impossible for students to have a complete understanding of the Founding Fathers without being familiar with the great books and writings that inspired many of their principles and ideals — and that includes the Bible,” Cassie Edwards, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education, told the Miami Herald.
Texas, which educates roughly 1 in 10 public school students in the U.S., has been at the forefront of the push by conservatives to implement religion into classrooms.
The Lone Star state’s new mandated reading list includes works like Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” as well as New Testament excerpts and Biblical stories like Jonah and the whale.
The move is seemingly the first of its kind in the country, marking a significant departure from local schools or teachers determining what students will read during the school year, The Associated Press reports. The required Biblical readings will also be added to the curriculum across all ages, from elementary to middle and high school, starting in the 2030-2031 school year.
The decision has been controversial amongst some teachers, parents and community members. Critics say the reading list lacks diversity and blurs the separation of church and state that is enshrined in the Constitution.
“Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools,” Elva Mendoza, legislative communications associate for the progressive Texas Freedom Network, told the Associated Press. “But this is sending the message to children that one and only one religious text — a Christian one — is worthy of making this required reading list.”
Meanwhile, supporters say the readings reflect the Judeo-Christian values that the country was founded on. Brooke Mazel, a retiree from Lubbock, encouraged the board to adopt biblical materials ahead of Friday’s vote, saying her children and grandchildren grew up with “strong faith and family values.”
“America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values,” Mazel said.
While Texas tends to lead the country in conservative policies, Florida has followed in suit on them before. In 2023, when Texas voted to allow public schools to hire religious chaplains to counsel students. Florida adopted a similar policy about a year later, according to the Miami Herald.
More recently, Florida officials have been advocating for freedom of religious expression in schools, including efforts to protect prayer and allow students to be excused from class for religious instruction.
